What is Candomblé?
Candomblé is a religion that incorporates parts of indigenous South American beliefs, Catholicism, and African civilizations such as the Yoruba, Bantu, and Fon. It developed in Brazil by Africans who were held as slaves. It is an oral tradition that consists of many different rites, such as dancing, ceremonies, animal sacrifice, and private devotion. Although it was formerly a "hidden" religion, candomblé has had tremendous growth in adherents, with at least two million followers currently practicing the faith in Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Uruguay, and Paraguay. Candomblé worshippers believe that there is one supreme god that is served by a pantheon of gods. Everybody has personal deities that guide and guard them while they follow their own unique paths in life.
This religion was originally known as Batuque. It originated from the cultural traditions of enslaved Africans who were brought to Brazil by the Portuguese Empire between the years 1550 and 1888. This religious practice was a fusion of various West African belief systems such as Yoruba, Fon, Igbo, Kongo, Ewe, and Bantu, which were intertwined with indigenous American customs and certain rituals and beliefs of Catholicism. The first Candomblé temple was constructed in Bahia, Brazil, during the 19th century. Over the course of centuries, Candomblé gained increasing popularity, aided by the near-complete segregation of individuals of African descent. Due to its association with non-Christian practices and slave uprisings, Candomblé faced prohibition and its practitioners were subjected to persecution by the Roman Catholic Church. It was not until the 1970s that Candomblé was finally legalized, allowing for public worship in Brazil.
Hello Treine,
I found your summary on the Candomble religion quite interesting. With so much Christianity shoved upon the enslaved Africans, I am surprised the religion was able to survive and thrive. It is sad that although they have religious freedom, they are still persecuted. It is also sad that there is so much racial prejudice that goes along with practicing this religion. The dance and the overtaking of spirits in the body is similar to some Christian religions like Pentecostal and COGIC. The Africans probably had some culture deep rooted in these sections.
It was an interesting read. I haven't heard the religion before to being able to have this take was a bit refreshing. I liked the incorporation of dance as part of a religion. I know we hear of praise worship, especially in a Black community. It's really beautiful to continue to see the ways Africans were able to preserve their cultures and ancient ways.
Hello Treine,
I appreciate how easy to understand and interesting your blog post is. If I were someone who'd never heard of Candomble I would feel as though after reading your post I could explain it to someone else. I also like how the video shows people within the religion to provide a visual representation. It's very unfortunate that people who practiced the religion faced persecution.
Hi Treine
I enjoy reading about different religions and this was interesting to me. We sometimes feel that the religion we experience is the latest and greatest but, there were so many other religions that our ancestors brought to the new world. I respect all people and their freedom to worship as they choose. You touch on the fact that some were persecuted in the new world for not conforming to Christianity and that is horrible. This hurt my heart, no one should be forced or stripped of their spirituality. However, we know that control and power were in the hands of the enslavers.